Giovani Bernard

Arguably the Cincinnati Bengals’ best player, wide receiver A.J. Green is iffy for Sunday’s playoff game in Indianapolis against the Colts. He didn’t practice on Friday and hasn’t cleared the league’s concussion protocol after suffering the injury in Week 17 against the Pittsburgh Steelers. If Green can’t go, the pressure might double for the Bengals to win their first postseason contest since 1990.

Make it 24 straight years since the Cincinnati Bengals have won a playoff game, and their loss to the underdog San Diego Chargers marked a disappointing end to yet another successful season. There was a lot of hope and promise, but now the focus is on who will stay and who will go.

The Cincinnati Bengals haven’t won a playoff game in 23 years and now one more year can be added onto that streak. The San Diego Chargers were able to continue their rejuvenated season by dominating the Bengals and eliminating Cincinnati from the playoffs.

Most of the time, positional battles become more and more distinct as the season progresses. Usually, one talent emerges over the rest, one guy gets most of the playing time, or the starter gets hurt leaving the backup as the only usable option.

Dominated by linemen and defensive players, the draft lacked the name recognition and flair that skill position players bring. That doesn’t mean this year’s rookie quarterbacks, running backs, receivers, and tight ends won’t make an impact.